Biog

I had the perfect writer’s childhood: lonely only-child of working mother and dissolute father, losing herself in reading and writing books. I would have chosen Creative Writing as a first degree but only English Literature was then available. I was offered a place at UCL if I got two E grades at ‘A’ Level and believed they had mistaken me for someone else. My mother was ill throughout the course. In my final year she had an ileostomy that saved her life but which meant nursing round the clock. I told no one at college and was expecting a Third. Instead I got a boring Richard. The tutors were great but it’s only now that I only appreciate how lucky I was : A.S. Byatt, Stephen Spender, John Sutherland (my favourite), Frank Kermode and others who were experts in their field and pretty unsung heroes, like Hilda Hulme (Chaucer).

I taught English to 11-18 year-olds for about ten years, wrote examination papers and invented a new one for low achievers. I married and did a B.A. in Fine Art. I enjoyed the buzz of mutual creativity and continued to write throughout the course. But my first husband’s television career needed my full support; I had several miscarriages; we separated geographically; we split up. Richard and I have been married for sixteen years. We lived aboard a boat in the Mediterranean from 2001-2005. He is very supportive both of my writing, directing and acting. I belong to Selsey Writers Group. I recently initiated a Creative Writing group at Lavant House School and started the East Lavant book group. I act, direct and adapt plays for Funtington Players. I am a freelance researcher, publicity writer and public speaker. We have two dogs and three hens.

here's me on the left, making them laugh